An Ebony Alert has put Lawndale and the wider South Bay on alert as authorities search for 15-year-old Kelsey Walker, who was reported missing Friday morning, according to police.
Walker was last seen at about 8 a.m. near South Inglewood Avenue and West 147th Street in Lawndale. She is described as about 4 feet 11 inches tall and roughly 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Officials say she was wearing a black sweatshirt, black leggings and tan Crocs and may be on foot.
EBONY ALERT - Los Angeles County
— CHP - Alerts (@CHPAlerts) Jan 17, 2026
Last seen: S. Inglewood Avenue and W. 147th Street, Lawndale
@GardenaPD
IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1
The California Highway Patrol activated the Ebony Alert bulletin on behalf of the Gardena Police Department, according to a post from CHP - Alerts. That notice lists Walker’s name, age, height, weight and clothing description and urges anyone who spots her to call 9-1-1 immediately.
What Is an Ebony Alert?
The Ebony Alert is a statewide notification system created to highlight cases involving missing Black youth and young adults who disappear under suspicious, unexplained or otherwise high-risk circumstances. It can be used for people up to age 25, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Advocates and lawmakers say the system was specifically designed to address long-standing gaps in media coverage and law-enforcement resources for missing Black people.
How to Help
Gardena police are leading the investigation, and residents across the South Bay are being asked to stay alert and check local streets, parks and transit stops for any sign of Walker.
Anyone with information is urged to call 9-1-1 right away and share any tips with local authorities so investigators can follow up.
